After eight years of doing mission trips to other places, such as downtown Los Angeles and Puerto Rico, Bethel Lutheran Church from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, decided to return to Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) to build a house for a family in Juarez, just the way they’ve done in years prior to 2015. For the adult leaders who’ve served through YLM before, it felt good to be back, a sentiment each of them expressed in different ways: “We just love this place,” “We have so many good memories,” and “We are home.”

Out of the team of twelve, nine of them were teenagers and young adults participating in their first house-build mission trip. The experience was one they expressed never to forget, with many sharing how the relationships they built with the family and each other had helped grow and strengthen their faith. While here on the border, the team was told they will get to put all they have learned in church to work in ways they never have before; they will meet Jesus face to face.

Partnering with Iglesia Luterana Santisima Trinidad, the Bethel Lutheran team helped build a two-room house in Kilometer 27, for Angél and his wife, Karina, along with their two adorable kids. During times when only a few were needed, team members took turns playing with the two young kids. Balloons, bubbles, balls and frisbees were objects of laughter and smiles, and soon, this family of four had grown to include the Bethel team.

After each day’s work, the team returned to the YLM campus in El Paso. After getting cleaned up and relaxing, dinner was served by Rita, who has been cooking for Servant Event teams for over twenty-six years. After dinner, the team had devotions, followed by fellowship and fun, including swimming, Scenic Overlook, bowling, and a “talent show”; and at the end of every day, they shared their highs and God sightings. Their late Saturday flight allowed them to head across the border to visit the Mercado in downtown Juarez, giving them opportunities to buy souvenirs, which include the always sought for by Servant Event teams -Mexican vanilla.

By the end of the week, Bethel had rekindled their love for the ministry of YLM—loving God and serving His people–with a new generation of youth, a new family, the mission field to the south, and their own mission field to the north!

The Kingdom of God knows no boundaries!

If you would like to learn more about YLM’s Servant Events ministry, call (915) 858-2588 or email service@ylm.org!